Page 34 of Queen of Vengeance

He traveled outside his village where Diesel’s “evil lair” resided.

Anxiety crept into his throat like spiders as Jax’s eyes followed up the tall beige towers.

The manor was hardly a castle. It didn’t even have any proper defenses around the perimeters, but that was probably because he knew no one was stupid enough to cross him.

Anyone who waltzed uninvited didn’t tend to come out in one piece.

Two of Diesel’s men stood guard out in the front. They didn’t have any guns or weapons on them, and that was because they didn’t need them.

All of Diesel’s men had trained to shift in seconds.

Jax knew these men could rip his head off before he even extended his claws. Despite what Jax felt inside, he gave the two guards a blank stare and held his head high as he walked past them.

The anxiety building within him constricted his throat, making it hard to breathe.

He couldn’t have fathomed why he would be nervous asking for a job from Diesel now. Perhaps it was because he already opposed him.

Diesel wasn’t forgiving, but Jax knew he got a pass because he was family.

“Uncle Diesel,” Jax called out almost begrudgingly. Now that he was standing in Diesel’s territory, he felt like he was crawling back to him. He might as well have been on his knees, as pathetic as he felt.

It was quiet for a long while, but Jax remained quiet and steadfast.

“The prodigal son returns.” A booming, disembodied voice seemed to come from all around Jax.

Diesel emerges from behind a thick velvet curtain, tilting his head with delight.

“I didn’t expect to see you back here so soon.”

“Look, I know I overstepped the other day.” Jax wasn’t about to ask for a job right out of the gate, although he was sure Diesel could draw his own conclusions.

“Ransoms do not apologize. It is unbecoming of our family. If you have something to say, then say it, boy.” Diesel’s tone quickly went from playful to cold and dangerous.

Oddly enough, Jax didn’t find himself anxious anymore.

Instead, fire swelled up in his belly; all he could see was red.

That day, he discovered he had far more self-control than he thought. He wasn’t sure if it was due to Diesel referring to him as “Boy” in such a derogatory manner or how Diesel attempted to play the father figure in his life. Still, his disdain for his uncle grew exponentially at that moment.

“I want to work another job. So, give me whatever you’ve got because I’m not leaving here without one. I will use that money to become someone great… Much greater than you.” Jax’s tone was cold. He knew he was toeing the line between life and death, but his lofty ambitions far outweighed his need for self-preservation.

Then, his uncle did something that Jax didn’t expect. He smirked… As if Jax had told him a joke. “There it is. That’s what I’ve been looking for. Gumption. You see, the difference between your father and I was that I was born with the audacity to move above my station. I will wait a long time for you to be just like him. I’m glad to see you prove me wrong today.”

Diesel walked up behind Jax and grabbed his shoulder tightly, leaning in so that his soulless silver eyes met with Jax. “You’ll make me very proud one day, son.”

Jax’s skin crawled, and his stomach churned.

“Son?” he thought. “I am no man’s son anymore… Certainly not his.”

Jax clenched his teeth, causing a grinding sound in his skull. As much as he hated this man, he needed him.

There’s no other option for a person like him.

He could only promise himself that as soon as he could get out, he would. He wouldn’t allow himself to be caught forever in the clutches of his uncle. He was better than that. “What’s the job?”

Diesel flashed his teeth at Jax in the form of a devious smile. “We just need to pick up some things from the local healer’s clinic.”

15

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